Over 75 Quotes On Perfection & Excellence For The Perfectionists

“Perfection simply doesn’t exist”, “It is a slow death” – You’ve heard this before, haven’t you? But you’re not going to listen to them, are you? If you’re not among those who compromise and settle for less than perfection, then the following inspiring quotes on “Perfection” and “Excellence” should motivate you to do even better.

I haven’t listed any of those quotes that are against perfection as I believe that you’re here for inspiration and not for distraction.

I’m Not Perfect. Nobody Is Perfect.

Could be. But once again, you don’t want to listen, right?

When I started my search for this post, I came across ample “nobody is perfect”quotes or ones which indicate “I am not perfect” but that’s not what I wanted to share. I agree that those quotes make sense but then they don’t motivate you.

[quote]They say that nobody is perfect. Then they tell you practice makes perfect. I wish they’d make up their minds. ~ Winston Churchill[/quote]

Just like the above quote which emphasizes that running after perfection may not be a great idea. But let’s not get disoriented and focus on Excellence and Perfection quotes that will motivate us to move forward in life.

First Things First. Let’s Start With Excellence…

Excellence is never an accident. It is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, and intelligent execution; it represents the wise choice of many alternatives – choice, not chance, determines your destiny. ~ Aristotle

We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit. ~ Aristotle

We acquire a particular quality by acting in a particular way. ~ Aristotle

No great mind has ever existed without a touch of madness. ~ Aristotle

Pleasure in the job puts perfection in the work. ~ Aristotle

All human actions have one or more of these seven causes: chance, nature, compulsion, habit, reason, passion, and desire. ~ Aristotle

Perfect friendship is the friendship of men who are good, and alike in excellence; for these wish well alike to each other qua good, and they are good in themselves. ~ Aristotle

I’m never pleased with anything, I’m a perfectionist, it’s part of who I am. ~ Michael Jackson

My mother’s wonderful. To me she’s perfection. ~ Michael Jackson

Better a little which is well done, than a great deal imperfectly. ~ Plato

Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence. ~ Vince Lombardi

I was made to be a perfectionist at everything I did. Everything was more important than what I wanted. ~ Dennis Quaid

If I only had a little humility, I’d be perfect. ~ Ted Turner

The will to win, the desire to succeed, the urge to reach your full potential… these are the keys that will unlock the door to personal excellence. ~ Confucius

The pursuit of excellence is less profitable than the pursuit of bigness, but it can be more satisfying. ~ David Ogilvy

It is only imperfection that complains of what is imperfect. The more perfect we are the more gentle and quiet we become towards the defects of others. ~ Joseph Addison

I’m chasing perfection. ~ Kobe Bryant

If you’ll not settle for anything less than your best, you will be amazed at what you can accomplish in your life. ~ Unknown

Be a yardstick of quality. Some people aren’t used to an environment where excellence is expected. ~ Steve Jobs

We don’t get a chance to do that many things, and every one should be really excellent. Because this is our life. ~ Steve Jobs

But I think Steve’s main contribution besides just the pure leadership is his passion for excellence. He’s a perfectionist. Good enough isn’t good enough. And also his creative spirit. You know he really, really wants to do something great. ~ Andy Hertzfeld (about Steve Jobs)

Mediocre men work at their best; men seeking excellence strive to do better. ~ Edwin Louis Cole

Perfection is not just about control. It’s also about letting go. Surprise yourself so you can surprise the audience. ~ Thomas Leroy (Black Swan)

The quality of a person’s life is in direct proportion to their commitment to excellence, regardless of their chosen field of endeavor. ~ Vince Lombardi

I’m a perfectionist. I’m pretty much insatiable. I feel there’s so many things I can improve on. ~ Serena Williams

Excellence is not a skill. It is an attitude. ~ Ralph Marston

Mediocrity will never do. You are capable of something better. ~ Gordon B. Hinckley

If you are going to achieve excellence in big things, you develop the habit in little matters. Excellence is not an exception, it is a prevailing attitude. ~ Colin Powell

By appreciation, we make excellence in others our own property. ~ Voltaire

Simplicity in character, in manners, in style; in all things the supreme excellence is simplicity. ~ Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Success is the result of perfection, hard work, learning from failure, loyalty, and persistence. ~ Colin Powell

Excellence is the gradual result of always striving to do better. ~ Pat Riley